The global vernal keratoconjunctivitis market is estimated to be valued at US$ 346.9 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period (2021–2028). Many patients may not present to clinics because they have a minor version of the disease that is mostly self-limiting, making it difficult to determine an accurate prevalence. The prevalence of VKC varies by geography and climate.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a kind of allergic keratoconjunctivitis. It is a multifactorial Th2-cell-mediated inflammatory state of the ocular surface that typically affects males, particularly youth. The most typical symptoms are intense itching, burning, photophobia, and tears. Conjunctival hyperaemia, superficial keratitis, and large papillae are the most common symptoms.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is characterised by the overabundance of mast cells, Th2 cells, cytokines, eosinophils, adhesion molecules, chemokines, and cytokines. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is characterised by limbal infiltration, corneal involvement, conjunctival fibroproliferative lesions, and conjunctival hyperemia. The three forms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis are based on the main anatomical site of the papillary reaction: mixed, palpebral, and limbal.
Increasing drug approvals provides the opportunity to provide patients with novel treatment options, which is projected to boost the vernal keratoconjunctivitis market growth during the forecast period.
For instance, in June 2021, Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. announced that U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug verkazia (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion, 0.1%) for the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) in children as well as adults.
